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Lakers No. 1 Trade Target Has Been Revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have their eyes set on this superstar if he becomes available.

By Richard Louis

Jan 24, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of operations Rob
Jan 24, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of operations Rob / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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It's been a rough couple of years in the playoffs after the Lakers won the NBA Championship during the 2019-2020 season. Since then they haven't made it back to the NBA Finals, and have now changed head coaches twice.

The Lakers fired Darvin Ham on May 3 and are now in search of a new lead man. The latest report has also revealed who the Lakers' No. 1 trade target would be this offseason.

Lakers News: Donovan Mitchell Has Emerged As the Lakers Top Trade Target

Jovan Buha of The Athletic was on his YouTube show 'Buha's Block' and was discussing the potential trade targets for Los Angeles.

Buha named Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell as the Lakers' No. 1 choice this offseason.

"I’ve heard in recent weeks that Donovan has become, if the Lakers go down the three-star path, and it’s still unclear — I think they’re gonna kick the can down the road and see the possibility and see what the asking price is."

- Jovan Buha, The Athletic

Buha added, "And there are teams that can outbid them if they get into a bidding war. But if they do go down that road and at least explore it, that Donovan Mitchell would be the preferred guy, whereas several months ago, Trae Young was a name you were hearing a lot. Dejounte Murray was a name they looked at leading into the deadline."

There is a bunch of uncertainty surrounding Mitchell's future in Cleveland and the Lakers could be looking to acquire the five-time All-Star.

Los Angeles hasn't been able to add a third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Mitchell would definitely fill in that void but the Lakers would have their work cut out for them.

As Buha stated, other teams in the NBA can offer Cleveland more in exchange for Mitchell. The Lakers can offer up to three first-round picks in 2024, 2029, and 2031.

If Los Angeles were able to acquire Mitchell, that would certainly change the trajectory of next season.

In his career, the 27-year-old averages 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Mitchell is one of the most explosive players in the league who can take over any contest.

A trio of Mitchell, James, and Davis would be a dream for Lakers Nation.

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